The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1887-03-26

"But what would poor mams say ~
This thought gave place to another, as
she continued on her way:
81 wonder if the Colonel would
think I had any self reliance ns,c, if
he could see me: Maybe i, would
convince him that the most self reliant
are not necessarily the checklist, as he
calls il. l don't feel a bit afraid. But
I do wonder where this town Of White
vile has s'appeared to-" in the words
of Mrs. Partiugton? It's as bad as the
one which had only II white spot in
the road, and blacksmith shop.
"My! how tired my arms are! Add
this must be Miss Joreses,' as it seems
the ending of civilization"
AS the latch clicked under her fin
gers, an immense dog from out the
cavernous darkness within, awoke the
echoes with large mouth, as he mounted
guard at the gate.
No unWary customer should enter
Miss Joueses hospitable mouse if he
could help it.
| At last Stephanie had found some.
thing to be frightened at, and her self
reliance disappeared like magic. The
Smith and Wesson lay unheeded in
her satchel.
To her infinite relief, q slim female
for IN made its appearance, putting the
dog to flight, as she bade the wayfarer
to enter.
It was Miss Jones, and very indig-
nant Miss Jones, as she grasped the
situation at a glance. She poured forth
the viaIs Of her wrath upon the un-
kempt head OF her. brother, who just
then made his appearance in abject
self disgrace.
81 am dreadfully tired" Stephanie
told her as she gently chafed her ach-
ing arms, awaiting chance to make
known her wants.
edo you hear that:" Miss Jones
snapped, turning again to her brother.
"Here this poor child has had to pack
her own sa.chel all the way up here
in the dead hours Of the night, while
you take your ease. Maybe you're not
| ashamed of Mis""
AS he disappeared she handed Ste>
phauie chair, and hustled into an
adjoining shed room to make her a
bed.
"l'H have your bed ready in a jffy
Miss, and just you 60 to sleep and sleep
until you feel like gittin' up. Visitin'
some of your kin in Whiteville, amt
you?"
Stephanie felt grateful enough for the
kindly womanly presence, but she was
in no humor to be catechised.
81 am on business" she answered
briefly and tiredIy.
The slim figure in faded calico, sus,
pended operations moment, full of
lively interest and curiosity.
"On business? Well, IN declare!
'Taint been no great while since an
oldish Yankee woman stopped here.
She was on business too. Selling the
life of Christ She done mighty
we'll too, l can teli you. Folks in
Whiteville is powerful free with their
money, and charitable"
Stephanie WINGED but the good soul
did not notice it.
"Oh, yes. They're great 'uns for books.
But YOU" She got nearer view CT
Stephanie's face in the broadening day
light. "Ain't you mighty young to be
travelling around by yourself?"
"I hope I am able to take care OF
myself" Stephanie answered in a spir.
| itless tone. This was an old story with
her.
| "Ain't you afraid :''
l "Of what:" She turned on her in,
terrogator n pair OF cool, level and sar,
castle eyes.
] ooh, 1 Dunno" Miss Jones answered
helplessly, somewhat taken aback b,
] the question. 'sId be afraid to trave
: by myself"
1t occurred to Stephanie that Mis-
!. Jones need feel no great uneasiness.
She could not !orbear answering her
- "I cannot see any possible danger I
= a person Of average good sense, whic
flatter myself l possess. 1t woul
not pprhaps be advisable for sOmen